ICYMI: U.S. Coast Guard Brings 169 Migrants Found in Makeshift Boat Back to Haiti
A journey turned into a life-saving rescue as the U.S. Coast Guard intercepts an overloaded boat bringing 169 migrants safely back to Haiti. š #News #MiamiFL #Florida #CoastGuard
MIAMI, FL – A makeshift boat, overcrowded and taking on water, nearly led to a tragic end for 169 migrants in the Caribbean. Fortunately, the U.S. Coast Guard intervened just in time, launching a rescue operation and safely repatriating the group to Haiti. With dangerous tropical weather brewing, the clock was ticking as the vessel began to falter.
Coast Guardās Swift Response Prevents Disaster
An aircrew from the Coast Guardās Air Station Miami, flying an HC-144 Ocean Sentry, spotted the vessel on Saturday around 5 p.m. during Operation Bahamas, Turks, and Caicos. The boat was overloaded and taking on water, drifting south of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell was deployed to intercept the vessel. Once the migrants were safely aboard the cutter, they were given food, water, shelter, and basic medical care, following standard protocols.
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Migrants Face Peril on Makeshift Vessels
Lt. Peter Hutchison, a U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District enforcement officer, emphasized the dangers migrants face on unstable boats. “The development of tropical cyclones in the north Atlantic poses a significant risk to unlawful maritime migration,” Hutchison stated. “Makeshift vessels are unseaworthy and incapable of handling the rough seas and winds brought by inclement weather.ā
The Coast Guard warned that all individuals attempting unauthorized sea crossings “will be rescued and repatriated to their country of origin or departure.”
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